Abraham Lincoln: A Life 1861-1862: The Fort Sumter Crisis, The Hundred Days, The Phony War, The Lincoln Family in the Executive Mansion

Lincoln struggles with William Seward's thirst for power while the Fort Sumter question comes to the forefront of the nation's politics. To supply Fort Sumter would incite hostilities with the South and to desert Sumter would imply acknowledgment of the Confederacy. It is a decision that cannot be made lightly. As time goes by without a verdict, the North starts to question the strength of their government. Seizing the opportunity, Seward secretly begins negotiations with the South based on unfounded promises.

Abraham Lincoln: A Life 1863-1864: From the Mud March to Gettysburg; Victory at the Polls and in the Field; Reconstruction and Re-Nomination

Dissatisfaction with the Emancipation Proclamation and lack of military victory heightens the discontent with the administration. Trouble comes with the destructive rivalry within the army and the threat of the French intervening on behalf of the Confederacy. The president's decision concerning the Minnesota Sioux Uprising infuriates the West. Lincoln must decide what to do with a demoralized army of the Potomac. His compassion with the troops increases his popularity within the military. General Lee begins his second invasion of the North.

Abraham Lincoln: A Life 1849-1855: A Mid-Life Crisis and a Re-Entry to Politics

This point in Lincoln's life is marked by a sudden return to the practice of law. Highly moral and judicious, he often took little or no money for cases, and would not represent a client if he didn't believe in his case. Lincoln tried to settle many cases out of court. He developed a persona of being affable and open, especially to juries, giving him a noted advantage. He also served on the circuit courts, where lawyers had to prepare cases quickly and where lodging was often quite difficult to find.

Abraham Lincoln: A Life, 1861: From Springfield to Washington, Inauguration, and Distributing Patronage

Publishers Weekly describes this book as “the most meticulously researched Lincoln biography ever written." Burlingame's Lincoln comes alive as the author unfolds vast amounts of new research while breathing new life into familiar stories. Publishers Weekly also notes, “The book need not be heard in one sitting. Each part stands alone.” Now Gildan Media brings to you, chapter by chapter, what Doris Kearns Goodwin calls a “…profound and masterful portrait.”

Abraham Lincoln: A Life 1860-1861: An Election Victory, Threats of Secession, and Appointing a Cabinet

Publishers Weekly describes this book as "the most meticulously researched Lincoln biography ever written. Burlingame's Lincoln comes alive as the author unfolds vast amounts of new research while breathing new life into familiar stories. It is the essential title for the bicentennial." Publishers Weekly also notes, "The book need not be heard in one sitting. Each part stands alone." Now Gildan Media brings to you, chapter by chapter, what Doris Kearns Goodwin calls a "…profound and masterful portrait."

Adam says:"Great"

Publisher's Summary

"I Expect to Maintain This Contest Until Successful, or Till I Die, or Am Conquered, or My Term Expires, or Congress or the Country Forsakes Me": From the Slough of Despond to the Gates of Richmond: (January - July 1862): Cameron is replaced by Stanton. The president begins to supervise the army and take charge of his administration. By presidential order, McClellan is goaded into moving from a defensive position to an offensive. Instead of following Lincoln's plan, McClellan chooses an attack on Richmond. McClellan's indecisiveness and tardiness in battle have many pushing for a replacement. The Union suffers a crushing defeat in the Seven Days Battle. During all this, Willie Lincoln dies of fever.

"The Hour Comes for Dealing with Slavery": Playing the Last Trump Card: (January - July 1862): Lincoln puts forward his proposal of gradual emancipation with monetary grants to participating states. Many criticize the plan as too expensive. The president proceeds to emancipate the District of Columbia. However, he is forced to revoke General David Hunter's emancipation decree. Lincoln signs legislation extending political acknowledgment to Haiti and Liberia, approves an accord banning the African slave trade, and forbids the military to return slaves escaping from the South.

"Would You Prosecute the War with Elder-Stalk Squirts, Charged with Rose Water?" The Soft War Turns Hard: (July - September 1862): Lincoln carries out a strategy to replace the social system of the South. McClellan's failures lead to him being replaced by General Henry Halleck. The army of Potomac is withdrawn to a new location. The Second Battle of Bull Run turns into a devastating loss for the Union. McClellan is put in charge of Washington's defense, causing general disapproval. The bloody semi-victory at Antietam brings mixed feelings. Lincoln prepares a colonization plan in an attempt to make emancipation more attractive to Border States, Unionists in the Confederacy, and Northern Conservatives.

"I Am Not a Bold Man, But I Have the Knack of Sticking to My Promises!": The Emancipation Proclamation: (September - December 1862): Lincoln's announcement about the coming Emancipation Proclamation has severe Electoral backlash. Lincoln visits the Army of the Potomac in an effort to drive it to action. McClellan's hesitance dries up the last of Lincoln's patience. The president again urges Congress to adopt a gradual compensated emancipation. The Northern army is defeated at Richmond. Congress and the people grow disenchanted with the Lincoln administration. A cabinet crisis ensues. Allegations are raised against Seward. Many fear a coup d'état. Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation.

What the Critics Say

"The most meticulously researched Lincoln biography ever written. Burlingame's Lincoln comes alive as the author unfolds vast amounts of new research while breathing new life into familiar stories. It is the essential title for the bicentennial.... The book need not be heard in one sitting. Each part stands alone.” (Publishers Weekly)